Envisioning a world in which every young musician is given the opportunity to succeed

Semaj is honored to be a Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth (PMAY) and Primavera Fund Artist and is exhilarated for his future musical journey.

Semaj has played in master classes taught by the world’s most prominent violinist such as Mai-Chen Liao-Barnes and Rachel Barton Pine.

Semaj Murphy began studying the violin at the age of 9 in his elementary school music program and later at The Settlement Music School studying under Abigail Nixon. He is currently a sophomore at the Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP) and studies with Booker Rowe, of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

The summer of 2016 Semaj was accepted into the Primavera Fund. With their support, he was able to attend his first summer camp at the Philadelphia International Music Festival. The following fall, he joined the Philadelphia Young Musicians Orchestra (PYMO), under the direction of Kenneth Bean. He currently plays in the Philadelphia Young Artist Orchestra (PYAO), under the direction of Rosalind Erwin. Semaj also plays in the All-City Orchestra and is in the Advance Chamber Study at Settlement Music School, coached by Christof Richter. Semaj has played in master classes taught by the world’s most prominent violinist such as Mai-Chen Liao-Barnes and Rachel Barton Pine.